"Winter rate one of state's best values"

Course had been closed all week due to the moderate winter storm that passed through. Hard to believe there was snow on the ground the day before, because conditions were superb.

There were a few soft spots, but I'm not sure they even needed to be cart-path only, as was the case.

Greens were as good as I've seen them here, another testament to the greenskeeping crew. Still would like to see people do a better job repairing their pitch marks. I fixed two and three additional blemishes on seemingly every green.

Noticed they are clearing a bunch of trees, which opens up some sight lines, particularly on the sixth hole.

The GPS in the cart was on point. The problems with it I had on my last visit here were ironed out.

The pace of play was slower than usual, but I attribute that to a delayed start of tee times to ensure that the course was playable after the week's closure and the balmy 60 degree temps that brought many out to the course.

The $59 winter rate is one of the best deals in the state currently, and includes cart and full use of the range and practice areas before the round.

"Big changes at FarmLinks"

"Big changes at FarmLinks"

Previously playedUsed cartPerfect weather

Reviewed on 09/15/2017

There has been a shift in the focus of FarmLinks, the golf course at Pursell Farms. The facility emerged onto the golf scene in 2003 with tremendous buzz, as it was the first agronomy research course in the country. The idea was to bring 3-5 superintendents, greenskeepers, etc. per week and have them spend 3-5 days learning about the latest in fertilization and course maintenance techniques. However, with the sale of the family's fertilizer business, this approach is no longer a revenue generator. I was told the focus has now shifted to becoming a resort, with golf front and center. Hence the construction of a new inn, that is scheduled to open in ~6 months. There will also be a restaurant and pub that will give a more rooted presence than the small restaurant inside the clubhouse. Golf buddies trips and corporate outings are going to be increasingly pursued, to complement the existing Parker Lodge, cottages, wedding facility and Orvis hunting and fishing activities.

That being said, despite the heavy rain received in the previous couple days due to the remnants of Hurricane Irma, the course was in fantastic shape. Drained really well, and did not see any standing water.

The bentgrass greens were recently vented and a tad slow, but give them two weeks and if we get the falling temps that should accompany late September into October they will be in splendid Autumn shape.

One of my favorite aesthetic things about FarmLinks in the long-grass ringed bunkers that creates an excellent contrast to the tightly mown green-side runoffs. You must be able to chip from tight lies to save par here.

This is an excellent fall destination, given the proximity. FarmLinks lies at the base of the Appalachians and the vistas provided, particularly around the collection of par 3s is remarkable.

"FarmLinks continues to impress"

"FarmLinks continues to impress"

Previously playedUsed cartPerfect weather

Reviewed on 07/06/2017

FarmLinks continues to enhance its brand with the addition of a lodge and pub adjacent to the 18th fairway which should be completed in a few months. Meanwhile, the course is in tip-top shape. Fairways are lush and greens have fully recovered from recent aerification. One of the aspects of this course that make it challenging for the better player and difficult for the higher handicapper is the closely-mown areas around green that puts a premium on pitching and chipping. Aesthetically, this gives the look of the Tour courses you see on TV every week, and gives FarmLinks a little better seat at the table than most courses. My one criticism of the course's conditioning, however, was the bunkers. Recent rain had obviously washed out most of the bunkers, particularly at the high points around lips. I know this can't be remedied in a day or two, but a course that looks so great in every other regard, and demands a $100+ greens fee needs to be better in this department. The on-going clearing of brush and trees down the left side of the short par-4 13th hole is a good decision. FarmLinks also boasts one of the finest practice facilities I've ever encountered. The short game is magnificent, and the expansive practice tee can accommodate different wind directions. GPS is provided on the carts and yardage guides are available in the pro shop, which is smallish, but carries finer brand merchandise.

Pace of Play:
Good

Course Layout:
Good

Course Conditions:
Good

Staff Friendliness:
Excellent

Value for the Money:
Average

Off-Course Amenities:
Excellent

Course Difficulty: Somewhat Challenging

I recommend this course

FEATURED REVIEW

"Best Conditioned Course I've Played!"

"Best Conditioned Course I've Played!"

First time playingUsed cartHot weather

Reviewed on 06/12/2017

This course is in absolute pristine condition! Fantastic and challenging layout. Highly recommend getting to this course, which is basically in the middle of nowhere. If you are going to Alabama to play golf, this course is a must play.

"Aerification alert"

"Aerification alert"

Previously playedUsed cartWindy weather

Reviewed on 05/27/2017

Greens just aerated on Wednesday. Not the major one of the year, but plugs nonetheless. Heavily sanded greens. Staff says allow three weeks for recovery. They are offering a reduced rate if you can't wait that long.

Pace of Play:
Excellent

Course Layout:
Good

Course Conditions:
Fair

Staff Friendliness:
Excellent

Value for the Money:
Good

Off-Course Amenities:
Excellent

Course Difficulty: Somewhat Challenging

I recommend this course

FEATURED REVIEW

"A course that makes me wish there was a sixth star for special occasions..."

"A course that makes me wish there was a sixth star for special occasions..."

First time playingUsed cartWindy weather

Reviewed on 05/16/2017

My handicap is currently (a very generous) 11.9. Farmlinks recommends players with a 1-5 handicap play the Copperhead tee’s and 7-15 play the whitetail’s. So guess what I did?

I found Farmlinks to be every bit of its 73.0 rating from the Copperhead’s. I shot what was probably my best round in several years, and still couldn’t do any better than an 87. The back nine bit me early and often as I took 3 penalty strokes on the first 5 holes. Other than that, though, I manage bogey golf most of the way with a smattering of pars (I never even seriously challenged for a birdie).

There are plenty of good golf shots to be made on this course and some aww inspiring vista from various tee boxes. I’m not sure anything eclipses the view from the 180 yard 17th tee box, shooting down at a green completely protected in front by a large pond (large enough to appear to be more of a river from the tee box. Even this shot, though, can be made relatively safe if you take enough club as there is a backstop hill to corral any shots that run a little long.

Unless you are playing the Longhorn tee’s (nearly 500 yards longer than the more-than-challenging-enough Copperheads) Farmlinks is reasonable in length (6970 from where I played, 6457 from the tee’s recommended for my handicap) and difficulty. It will challenge you without compromising your outing with undue frustration. With 6 sets of tee’s there is a course for everyone here. This is especially true because most of the greens are not overly protected with the course using distance and angles to add difficulty to the more challenging tee boxes.

While challenging, the thing that really struck me about Farmlinks was its simple beauty. Every hole feels more “crafted” than “designed” and the care and maintenance that is put into the course is obvious at every turn. Course conditions were as close to perfect as I can imagine, and the layout is terrific as well. Going out first was an absolute treat as it felt as though we had the course all to ourselves, and it’s not often you get that feeling on a course this breathtaking.

When people talked to me about Pursell Farms they spoke of being made to feel like a guest, or even family, rather than a patron. After spending a day on the farm, I completely understand where this impression comes from. Various members of the staff made their way over to us at different times while we were there and inquired about our experience at Farmlinks; however, beyond that, they also asked about us. We left Pursell Farms feeling like I had just come from a visit. The course is great, but Farmlinks is more of an “experience” than a round of golf.

We will almost certainly return, probably to stay a few days on the properly itself.

"a nice little place in the middle of nowhere"

"a nice little place in the middle of nowhere"

First time playingPerfect weather

Reviewed on 04/11/2017

a lot of the time on the way out to farmlinks, it wasn't clear where or why a golf course would suddenly appear. but it did, and it's fantastic!

my favorite thing about this course is that anybody can play it. it's wide open and most holes don't have significant forced carries. at the same time, it's still challenging for better players and requires more thought than just hitting it hard and going to find it.

there are dramatic downhill par 3s, drivable par 4s, and some longer par 4s and 5s. a little bit of everything to keep you interested.

it's a gorgeous setting and they clearly take pride in keeping the course in great shape. it's a little secluded, but well worth the journey. a truly fine course!

"Love this course!"

"Love this course!"

Previously played

Reviewed on 02/01/2017

I love this course, one of the best I've played in the state. Staff is incredibly friendly and the winter rate is only $49. $49 is an absolute steal, can't wait to come back when The Inn is completed. The course is open and fair, definitely give this course a try if possible. Only thing I would suggest is an occasional ball washing station.

Pace of Play:
Fair

Course Layout:
Excellent

Course Conditions:
Excellent

Staff Friendliness:
Excellent

Value for the Money:
Excellent

Off-Course Amenities:
Good

I recommend this course

FEATURED REVIEW

"Didn't disappoint"

"Didn't disappoint"

First time playingVerified Purchaser

Reviewed on 11/17/2016

I've heard so much about FarmLinks since I moved to AL. It was a nice experience. Course layout provides a challenge to all levels of golfers. Staff is friendly and carefully watch the pace of play. Great views throughout the course, Especially the par 3 from 200' up. I'd definitely recommend this course and will be back.

"Great Value"

"Great Value"

Great venue, spent Father's Day with my boys and we had a great day. You can bomb it off the tee with wide fairways but it still requires precise iron shots to the undulating greens. Only real criticism of the course is that Holes #1 and #10 are par 5s that are almost identical. Very friendly staff and the food in the clubhouse was fantastic after the round. Don't count on drinking any alcohol on Sunday's in Talladega County but this is truly one of the public golf course gems.

"Costly-Aerated"

"Costly-Aerated"

Previously playedVerified Purchaser

Reviewed on 05/29/2016

First I really like the course. But this trip was somewhat disappointing, first I booked for on the all inclusive package at $168 per person rate, when checking I was CHARGED $395 plus the $21.95 prepay amount, when questioning the price was told prices are different? Did not want to make a scene because I was treating my son. Then I was HIGHLY disappointed when after paying a higher rate than published we find the Greeens had just been AERATED AND TOP DRESSED! If I had been told I would have chosen another day. Even still should have received some sort of discount. Third pace of play was slow on the 1st 18(5 hours), but the afternoon round was agonizing, after the starter said the group in front of us was super slow, he said he would ask them to allow us through if we caught them, well we caught them on the 1st fairway and watched every shot for the entire 18(5 1/2 hours) with no one in front of them, many times we were on the tee with them without them offering to allow us to play through, never saw the Marshall again! Will have to think twice about making the 2 1/2 hour drive again to pay $420 to play aerated greens at 5+ hour pace!

We appreciate your feedback and apologize that the greens were just aerated and pace of play was slower than normal. We are constantly working on addressing internal issues within the course and can assure you that we are doing everything within our power to improve them! We are sorry to hear that you won't be coming back to play here again soon but hope that you reconsider and allow us to provide you with the normal excellent golfing experience!